December 2, 2010 Heritage Newspapers O UR S PORTS C SECTION Log onto our Web site for additional stories, local video and daily updates on everything Ann Arbor. a l m o s t Ann Arbor a starting point for Detroit’s HowardBy Mike Larson A2 Journal Jimmy Howard was born in New York, became a collegiate legend in Maine and is currently occupying one of the loneliest and most scrutinized positions in all ofprofessional sports. But before he set NCAA records and earned the job of star ting goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings, Howard spent some significant time in Ann Arbor. Howard, 26, donned his goalie gear in A2 during 2001, as he suited up and played with the U.S. National Team Development Program. “It was a great time for me when I was in Ann Arbor,” Howard said. “We were really busy with hockey , but I really loved the city.” Howard was 17 when he played with the NTDP, which is headquartered at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. While in Ann Arbor, Howard was enrolled at Pioneer High School. The goalie said that the size of the high school was difficult to get used to at first. “It was a real culture shock for me,” he said. “I went from a school where I knew almost everyone, to being put into a school that was just massive. It took a while to get comfortable.” Howard was born and raised in Ogdensburg, New Yor k, a city of about 12,300, located on the south bank of the St. Lawrence Ri ver in the northern part of the state. “I came from such a small town, coming into Ann Arbor was a big thing for me,” Howard said. “I was pretty shy, so I just wanted to keep my head down and get to my classes and every- thing. I didn’t really want to draw too much attention to myself.” Howard might have been able to avoid atten- A2’s native son PLEASE SEE HOWARD /2-C Successful span- Jimmy Howard’s career 1998-2001 2001-2002 2003-2005 2005-2009 2005-Present Westport Rideaus of Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League U.S. National Team Development Program 22-11-1, 2.78 GAA Maine BlackBears 47-23-10, 1.85 GAA, .932 SV% Grand Rapids Grif fins 90-73-11, 2.66 GAA, .911 SV% Detroit Red Wings 51-22-12, 2.35 GAA, .920 SV% Pioneer hockey team splits a pair Pioneer skaters fall to Pinckney, beat Troy Quick Hits UM hoops hosts “Little Dribblers” University of Michigan men’s basketball head coach John Beilein and his staffannounced Thursday (Nov . 18) the Wolverine “Little Dribblers” program for young U-M basketball fans which will celebrate its third year. For registered “Little Dribblers”, an introductory meeting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Junge Family Champions Center located near the north end of Crisler Aren a. The program, open to kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, will give young Maize and Blue fans the chance to meet and interact with the Wolverines while developing their basketball skills. For $85, the Wolverine “Little Dribblers” will have the opportunity to par- ticipate in three practices with the U-M coaches and players (Jan. 8, 22, 29) as well as receiving a “Little Dribblers”membership card, T-shirt, authentic The Rock basketball, a team jer- sey, and a team photo with Coach Beilein. For more information, 734-763-5504. RichRod Watch After the Michigan foot- ball team’s embarrassing loss rival Ohio State on Saturday , football fans from around the state have been clamoring for the firing ofhead coach Rich Rodriguez. However , if Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon does decide to cut ties with his coach, Wolverine fans shouldn’t expect it to happen soon. If Michigan waits unt il after Jan. 1, 2011, the school will save $1.5 million, so don’t expect it to happen before that. After three seasons with Michigan, Rodriguez has a 15-21 record. He is 0-6 against Michigan State and Ohio State. His teams also have the distinction ofnever beating a Big 10 team with a winning record in conference play. Bball clinic offered The 2010 Ann Arbor middle school girls basket- ball clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday , Dec. 11, at Huron High School. The clinic, for girls in 6th to 8th grades, will cover ball handling, passing, shooting and individual and team defense. The morning will end with offensive tips in preparation for competitive games. Coaches and players from Huron, Pioneer and Skyline high schools will serve as the instructors. Cost is $30. To register visit aareced.com, or visit the Community Education & Recreation office. Deadline is Friday, Dec. 10. Watch as Big House freezes over In preparation for the
